DSM-III-R alcohol dependence criteria in Russian and American men

Data on the alcohol drinking patterns of U.S. and Russian men currently enrolled in alcohol treatment programs are described in terms of quantity of alcohol consumed, patterns of alcohol use, withdrawal symptoms, and biopsychological problems experienced. Using the criterion standards of DSM-III-R to determine alcohol dependence diagnoses as measured by the CIDI-SAM, we found that 99% of the U.S. and 97% of the Russian sample met DSM-III-R dependence criteria. In general, these data offer some validity for use of the DSM-III-R criteria and CIDI-SAM to determine alcohol dependence in a Russian sample. Although differences in the patterns and symptoms of alcohol use were found, they may be reflective of cultural, social, and economic factors, in addition to methodological limitations.